The 'gift giving' image : the case of the Adoration of the Magi

Paper examines how the 'gift giving' aspect of the Magi theme was used both in church liturgy and church fathers' sermons, and explores the implications these communications had on patrons of art in Late Antiquity and throughout the Byzantine period. The author concludes that 'the image of the Three Magi was used by the church fathers in texts and sermons about the Magi's offerings to Christ, to promote 'gift giving'. Wealthy worshipers who commissioned artifacts no doubt intended to associate themselves with the Magi because of their 'gift giving'. Among them, emperors were the most generous philanthropists who had the right to associate themselves with the Magi in the manner in which Empress Theodora did [e.g., Theodora's gown at San Vitale, Ravenna]. By depicting the Three Magi on works of art, Byzantine worshipers sent the message that they were, like the Magi, ready to join the Resurrection of Christ'. ;